How can a rookie secure fans before they even step in front of a camera? Can one casting announcement create a Twitter storm? What happens when a favorite webtoon character goes from the web to the cinema?
Kim Hyun-jin just answered all three questions. The model turned actor was officially cast in the coveted leading role of Tak Mu-i, the all-consuming top-star of the live-action adaptation of Naver’s incredible webtoon Yuilmu-i Romance (유일무이 로맨스). His casting announcement had fans of the original dizzy while they ponder exactly how he will embody such an oversized heartthrob.
Now let’s get into why this is such a big deal and what this means for the drama and for Kim Hyun-jin’s burgeoning career.
The Original Webtoon That Captivated Fans
The live-action drama is based on the popular Naver webtoon “Yuilmu-i Romance”, from creator Doobu, which was published in 2018.
The plot follows everyday job seeker Gong Yoo-il, whose mundane life is turned on its head by superstar actor Tak Mu-i and idol Ryu Min when they both suddenly enter his world for an endearing yet absurd fantasy romance.
Its fun premise and relatable characters delighted many readers, developing a loyal subscriber base, who were looking forward to its eventual screen adaptation. According to a Spotv News report, the drama was commissioned simply because of its sustained popularity and avid readership.
From Page to Screen: Drama Adaptation Details
According to reports, “Yuilmu-i Romance” will be produced in a live-action format for Genie TV.
The drama is expected to air in the second half of this year, which is exciting for fans of the original webtoon.
This story combines romantic fantasy with the motifs of celebrity meets ordinary person and is likely to be a fun story that plays with the distinction of life as a star versus the life of a normal person.
Kim Hyun-jin Brings Tak Mu-i to Life
Kim Hyun-jin has been cast as Tak Mu-i, the attractive top actor who was once a child star. In the story, Tak Mu-i first assumes job-seeker Gong Yoo-il is a stalker, but the two move on to form a nurturing and serendipitous romance.
Fans are thrilled for this casting and praised Kim Hyun-jin for not only being a charismatic actor, but for being a suitable actor to depict Tak Mu-i’s confident yet lovable personality and to play this character, he is the ideal and perfect fit!
Career Milestones of Kim Hyun-jin
Starting as a model in 2016, Kim Hyun-jin caught first attention in the entertainment industry with her charisma and versatility. She made her first leading role breakthrough starring in SBS’s Cheer Up (2022) establishing herself as an emerging talent. After Cheer Up, she expanded her repertoire with various projects such as TVING’s I Am Cinderella, JTBC’s Playing Woman, and MBC’s Bunny and Oppas. Looking ahead, she will be featured in Genie TV’s original Idol Eye, solidifying her as one of Korea’s rising young actresses.
Fans and Media React to the Big Casting News
Fans of the original webtoon have long pointed to the eventual casting of Tak Mu-i as an exciting development for a live-action adaption of the property and the early reactions on social media indicate excitement and curiosity about her casting, especially given abundant support for Kim Hyun-jin as the right talent to match the character’s charisma and charm.
Entertainment media outlets, including Spotv News, have touted her casting as a significant talking point before the series release, leading to continued chatter and attention on this drama. With both a healthy level of anticipation from the fans of the webtoon and attention from the industry, it seems the expectations for the series are already present.
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Conclusion
Now that Kim Hyun-jin has officially been cast in Yuilmu-i Romance, expectations for the live-action will keep ramping up. She is an actor that fans are ready to embrace as she brings Tak Mu-i to the screen, and industry watchers are noting Kim Hyun-jin’s continual ascension as a talented and versatile actor. While we have yet to get an official release date or the full supporting cast, buzz is already building around the drama, setting it up for what could be one of the most talked about romantic fantasy series of the year.
